Type 2 Diabetes and the Veterans Administration Hospital

Any of the veterans in this group ever have any dealings with the VA. It seems that the Memphis VA is lacking considerablely when it comes to diabetic healthcare. It took me over a year ti be seen in the eye clinic so that my retina could be photographed and I just had my podiatry clinic appointment, 2 yrs after I was diagnosed. They also only provide 2 boxes of test strips a year. So much for testing my blood sugar. With all of this crap going on, I wonder why I don't really care if anything happens to me regarding my diabetes

8 replies

i am a vietnam vet and have been going to johnson city moutain home vet hosp. yes vets care is slow and sometimes you really have to stay on pcp to get the care you need. DO NOT GIVE UP ON RECEIVING CARE THERE. there are some very good docs there & some that aren't.it took me 2 years to see a diabetic specialist and now things are going lots better for me. if you have problems in getting treatment or do not feel comfortable with your pcp you have the right to request a patient advocate to reach a solution. USE YOUR PATIENT ADVOCATE YOU CAN' T BE DENIED TO SEE ONE! too many vets do not use them and don't get their problems resolved.it is a fight to get treatment there but you must do it! my meds and treatments would be out of my income range if i was not treated there. you served in a COMBAT ZONE so you do qualify just for being there. if you was dx after your return from there no matter whether it was dx'd months ago or years ago ,that service qualifies u for diabetes treatment BUT YOU MUST FILE WITH VA AFFAIRS TO BE COMPENSATED DUE TO AGENT ORANGE EXPOSED JUST BY BEING IN COUNTRY. if your pcp wants you to test more all they have to do is write a presription for more. talk to a va rep , local vfw rep,or any vets group they will help you. but YOU MUST START THE WHEELS TO TURNING! GOD LESS YOU!

Thank you, both of you, for your service. I can't believe that they didn't provide you with service when you asked for it. I, too, am a Vietnam era veteran and I never saw combat. Thank goodness for that. I have to rely on the VA for all of my healthcare because I can not afford Medicare. I'm on Social Security Disability and need all of it just to survive.

Another thought is contacting your congress & senate representative and ask for advice & help. Make waves, rattle a few bones, make some VA geeks squirm! Like Leon Melton above posted, "You must start the wheels to turning!" Just remember, it's "hurry up & wait!" Thanks for your service too.

Trust me, I have made all kinds of noise at the Memphis VA and have received many things because I did stand up to them. Their biggest problem is the fact that I am a transgendered male to female transsexual. They think that because of that, it gives them a license to discriminate against me. I kicked them in the butt when I sent a letter to President Obama, Sec Shinsieki, both chairmans of the house and senate Veterans affairs committiees, my senators, my representatvie and the director of the Memphis VA. It got things moving because they found out that I don't lay over and play their game. Now, I have a VA Directive giving them guidance on a systemwide basis on how to treat transgendered and intersexed veterans.

They look at us and sey what have you done for us today?????????Give them 600.00 wourth of work and they will give you 6.00 it's just the way it is thats why they are having such a hard time getting help lol ROTC's are going out of schools .What typ of meeter do you have ???Best wishesHarlen

I'm a Vietnam vet, but never stationed in a combat zone. Served five years. VA told me three years ago that my service was a waste of my life. I went to the VA asking for help with diabetic supplies and insulin. I was told to my face that all they cared for were active soldiers, those injured on active duty, those who served in combat zones, and retired members.

Many have been denied by the Government who served in good faith only to be dumped on later. So one is in good company. Hoorah!